ibabydoc - Signs of Possible Illness

Signs of Possible Illness

1. Acts "sick" or unusually lethargic, drowsy or irritable.<br />

2. Fever, with temperature of 100.5 degrees or higher in the first two months (after 2 months of age, fever alone is not a serious symptom). Provide yourself with a rectal thermometer and practice reading it. Electronic thermometers are acceptable. Fever strips are not. Do not guess that the baby has a fever. Take the temperature and find out for sure. Lubricate the end with oil or Vaseline and insert into the rectum for 3 minutes. A reading of between 98.0-100.0 F is normal. Clean the thermometer by wiping it off with alcohol.<br />

3. Refusal of several feedings in a row or repeated vomiting (not spitting up).<br />

4. Frequent fluid bowel movements with mucus, blood, or foul odor.<br />

5. Labored or difficult breathing.

1. Acts "sick" or unusually lethargic, drowsy or irritable.

2. Fever, with temperature of 100.5 degrees or higher in the first two months (after 2 months of age, fever alone is not a serious symptom). Provide yourself with a rectal thermometer and practice reading it. Electronic thermometers are acceptable. Fever strips are not. Do not guess that the baby has a fever. Take the temperature and find out for sure. Lubricate the end with oil or Vaseline and insert into the rectum for 3 minutes. A reading of between 98.0-100.0 F is normal. Clean the thermometer by wiping it off with alcohol.

3. Refusal of several feedings in a row or repeated vomiting (not spitting up).

4. Frequent fluid bowel movements with mucus, blood, or foul odor.

5. Labored or difficult breathing.

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